Forks, WA - Western Gateway to Olympic National Park

Author:: Staff
Publish date:: May 4, 2016
Updated on: Jun 1, 2018

A wooden carving of a logger sits outside of the Forks Visitor Center. Go inside to see a small Twilight museum. Next to the visitor center is a logger memorial and the Timber Museum. Photo by Gloria Wadzinski — A wood carving of a logger sits outside of the Forks Visitor Center. Go inside to see a small Twilight museum. Next to the visitor center is a logger memorial and the Timber Museum.
Gloria Wadzinski

Fifty-six miles from Port Angeles, Forks is a gateway to the Hoh Rain Forest (31 miles away) and Kalaloch beaches (14 miles away), although some visitors may know it from the Twilight book series written by Stephenie Meyer. A series of vampire-themed fantasy romance novels, Twilight features the life of teen Bella Swan who moves to Forks, Wash., and falls in love with a vampire named Edward Cullen. Published between 2005-08, the books have led to Forever Twilight in Forks, an annual celebration in September honoring Stephenie Meyer and all things related to Twilight.

The treaty line near Forks, Wash. A fictional line between vampires and werewolves from the Twilight series of books and movies. Photo by Gloria Wadzinski — The treaty line near Forks, Wash. A fictional line between vampires and werewolves from the Twilight series of books and movies.
Gloria Wadzinski

Related story: Unusual Places to Stay on the Olympic Peninsula

Home to about 5,000 people, the Forks area is also home to the Forks Timber Museum that features pioneer exhibits, a fire lookout tower and a 9-foot-cook stove from a logging camp.

A 259-year-old sitka spruce log displayed in downtown Forks, Wash. Photo by Gloria Wadzinski — A 259-year-old sitka spruce log displayed in downtown Forks, Wash.
Gloria Wadzinski

In the evening, join the tradition of watching the sunset at nearby Rialto Beach. Bring a picnic dinner to eat while lounging on the huge driftwood logs lining the beach.

Rialto Beach sunset. — Rialto Beach sunset.
Adobe Stock

For more information:
forkswa.com

Seattle skyline

Seattle is a vibrant city, packed with culture, great food, and lovely waterfront views. Don't miss a stroll through the famous Pike Place Market.

A view looking north from the south end of Hood Canal in Washington State. The Olympic Mountain can be seen in the distance.

Gateway to Olympic National Park, Lake Cushman, and a scenic point for hiking, fishing and kayaking on the north fork of the Skokomish River.

Statues and a totem archway at the Makah Cultural and Research Center Museum. Photo by Gloria Wadzinski

Explore pristine beaches and the rainforest on the northwestern tip of Olympic Peninsula, home to the Makah tribe.

Port Angeles, Washington from the pier tower, early morning.

The largest city on the Olympic Peninsula, and nearby Hurricane Ridge, the most accessible mountain terrain in the park.

Sea stacks on Ruby Beach in Olympic National Park

Places in the Park

The park’s wild coastline features both easy-access beaches and remote wilderness. Camp on the beaches year-round.

Humpback whale breaking the water at sunset

Whale watching cruises are one way to spot large marine mammals, but there are also many locations near the park where you can watch right from the shore.

Airplane in the clouds

Closest Airports and Ferries

The closest major airport is Seattle-Tacoma International Airport about 2 hours from the park’s southeastern corner and 2.5 hours from Port Angeles.

Ferry to Bainbridge Island by Tobias Eigen via Wikimedia Commons

Closest Airports and Ferries

The shortest route from the Seattle area to Olympic National Park requires taking a boat from Washington State Ferries. However, it may not be the fastest route.

Docked boats in Port Townsend, Washington.

This quaint harbor town is located at the northernmost end of the Olympic Peninsula. Go whale watching, visit a historic park and eat fresh seafood.